Story by STEVE TRAIMAN
In the wake of the estimated $70 to $80 billion swath of destruction that Hurricane Ian left in Southwest Florida in late September, the Tampa Bay area in general – and St. Pete in particular, has taken the lead in getting vital information to residents and businesses who want to provide assistance.
According to ABC Action News, the Federal Emergency Management Administration already has provided more than $500 million directly to Hurricane Ian survivors, and the federal Department of Transportation has delivered more than $50 million for rapid reconstruction to Sanibel Island and other hard-hit areas. Florida’s agriculture was badly impacted, with more than $1.56 billion in losses, and will need help.
St. Pete Mayor Ken Welch told Paradise News, “It has been uplifting to see our local community come together to support our neighbors to the south. Thanks to the Rays Hurricane Recovery for partnering with the city to collect supplies that went to help those most effected. So many residents showed up and donated what they could – surpassing expectations and proving that every little bit helps. “The Emergency Management Team along with many other city departments and staff worked hard and did an amazing job with hurricane prep and recovery. The city’s Emergency Management Team will publish an After Action report and bring it to City Council soon. Continuous improvement for resilience is vitally important to our city. OSR learned about some new motivated organizations to collaborate with in advance of the next emergency – OSR is here along with the Greenhouse, Emergency Management and more to plan for local resilience.”
“…The Greenhouse’s Prepare website is continually updated with the latest resources and programs to help local shops get back in business and recover post-disaster. Their Small Business Navigators provide one-on-one assistance to small business owners as well…”Both Florida, Tampa Bay and St. Pete city websites have numerous resources listed for those impacted by Ian. The
Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) have activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey in response to Hurricane Ian: www.floridadisaster.biz/BusinessDamageAssessments
The federal Small Business Administration (SBA) has activated Business Assistance Disaster Loans for Pinellas County to help people rebuild and recover in the impacted areas. Cash donations will be used to organize volunteer relief efforts. Prospective volunteers must pass a background check and have received a COVID-19 vaccine: www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance
[Editor’s Note: Special thanks to the office of St. Pete Mayor Ken Welch and ABC Action News for their excellent input and comments.]
Steve Traiman is President of Creative Copy by Steve Traiman in St. Pete Beach, offering freelance business writing services. He can be reached via email at traimancreativecopy@gmail.com.
HURRICANE RECOVERY Want to help our Southwest Florida neighbors recover? Check out these trusted organizations and websites to make a donation or volunteer. See pages 36-37 for more ways you can help others in need.
Florida Disaster Fund: www.floridadisaster.org/news-medianews/20220928-florida-disaster-fund or text DISASTER to 20222.
Ian Response Fund: A consortium of 38 organizations, including Florida Immigration Coalition, Faith in Florida. www.secure.actblue.com/donate/ianresponsefl
American Red Cross: www.redcross.org/donate/hurricane-ian-donations.html or by phone at 1-800-HELP NOW (1-800-435-7669).
Healthy Start Southwest Florida: Baby products needed (diapers, wipes, baby bottles with disposable liners, pack-and-plays, pre-mixed baby formula). www.healthystartbaby.org
Team Rubicon: This organization assembles volunteers who can contribute time, skills. www.teamrubiconusa.org